About this project

$1,245

pledged of $1,150 goal

94

backers

1. "Finding Gravity," what is it?

(Hate walls of text? JUST READ THIS.)

Finding Gravity is a new game that combines three big ideas: switching gravity, solving puzzles, and (most importantly) applying those two ideas cooperatively with another player. You and a friend will explore a mysterious and atmospheric world by solving ever-more-difficult challenges and overcoming these obstacles together.

We aim to release on PC/Mac/VR with support for controllers and mouse.

2. Okay, why should I care?

Even with the multitude of games being released, there aren't a lot of puzzle-solving experiences designed specifically for two players, and even less that are based around a gravity-switch system! This is a problem, since we believe that working together to figure something out is one of the most engaging and fun ways to spend your time! Our goal is to create a game that is accessible enough that you can play with anyone you know: your hardcore gamer friends, your significant other, your kids, even your parents! Our game isn't about running fast or fighting enemies, but rather working with one another to make your way through the game!

A player builds a "staircase" for their co-op partner.

3. Sounds interesting, what do you have so far?

Since a lot of projects on Kickstarter seem to promise a lot and then fail to deliver, we wanted to come to you with a prototype build of Finding Gravity already completed before even asking for any your money. Now, our prototype isn't nearly finished, but it is enough to show that the basic idea is sound (our families and friends have enjoyed it so far!). We want to win your confidence that we are not just another hopeful looking to make a quick buck, but rather a serious game development studio trying to create a wonderful game. Check out the .gifs throughout and the screenshots below:

A prototype puzzle, M.C. Escher style.

The mind-bending interior of the Observatory!

4. And what's left to do?

Basically, we have most of the "groundwork" already finished. What remains is a lot of content creation (levels, additional game mechanics, etc.) and polishing the game both in terms of visuals and working out any bugs that come up. What this means for you is that this is less of a "long shot" kickstarter, where we make a lot of promises and then never follow up. We're coming to the table with a solid prototype for a product, and asking for your help in finishing it!

Inside the Observatory!

5. What would the money be used for?

Your money will be going to paying for the various fees and licenses required to get our game online and running. Website and server hosting, as well as tools to build our levels and improve the visuals all cost money (paid for out of our own pocket). Any help with these expenses is greatly appreciated!

Right now we have set the project to the lowest possible figure that would allow us to publish on PC/Mac with Oculus Rift support. With your help, we could achieve our goal and maybe even a bit extra; stretch goals and adding more awesome stuff isn't out of the question! Also, we would love to have the opportunity to expand to other virtual reality systems like the HTC Vive, where all of the extra funds would go to purchasing development kits and other tools required to make that happen.

Now With Stretch Goals!

1. Our first goal will add the ability to select new skins for your character. Want to be pink instead of blue? Camouflage? Leopard print? If this reward is achieved, we will add in many different character skins and the ability to choose which one you want. (Note: Silver and Gold skins are exclusive to Kickstarter backers, and will be added to the game regardless of whether this stretch goal is achieved).

2. Linux support! We've had several people ask about this, so we decided to make it our second stretch goal. If this reward is achieved, Finding Gravity will run on Linux. Hooray!

3. Finding Gravity will come to HTC Vive! The Vive is one of the forerunners in VR experience so we would like to be able to support it if we can cover the costs of getting one. If this reward is achieved, support will be added for the HTC Vive.

4. We are always trying to come up with ways to make Finding Gravity better, so consider this list of goals unfinished!

6. When could I expect to play?

We hope to have the first version of the game out by the end of summer 2016. But beta tests will come ASAP, (hopefully within a few weeks)!

Help us test mechanics like this gravity-switching platform during Beta Testing.

7. What platforms are supported?

We are targeting an initial release on both PC and Mac with Oculus Rift support. If the project is successfully funded, as a stretch goal we would like to then expand to other virtual reality systems, specifically the HTC Vive. In terms of operating systems we would also like to support Linux, but that will also be a stretch goal.

8. Any cool rewards?

Yes! Our base reward is $10, which gets you two copies (DRM-free or Steam Keys) of the final game when it is released. We also offer an early bird special of this reward for half off to any enthusiastic backers! Update: Now with an exclusive-to-Kickstarter silver character skin for early bird backers and above!

Any pledges less than these tiers will still net you a spot in our game credits! We value any amount given and believe you've directly influenced the completion of the game.

For another $5, you get two copies (DRM-free or Steam Keys) of the final game when it is released as well as the full digital soundtrack to it. The music will be similar to the trailer, focusing on ambient soundscapes with chiptune influences.

For an extra $10, you get full access to all of our Beta, Beta-Beta, Beta-Beta-Beta-Be-... (you get it) game builds. Your feedback will be instrumental in the result of the final project, and we will be reading and hopefully responding and implementing as much user feedback as possible. Since we are such a small studio, we need as many people, and cool ideas, as we can get!

For $10 more, we're offering an ultra-exclusive (limited to just 20 everywhere!) gold character skin! This will never be sold anywhere else after the Kickstarter, and of course you get all the other rewards.

For anyone really interested in game and level design (and for $50), we are offering the opportunity to work with our team to help design a level that will be featured in the final game. You can even name the level whatever you'd like. (Just to be clear, your level probably won't end up in the game exactly as you had initially designed it, and can't include anything radically out-of-scope like shooting guns or flying jet-packs. But we will help you mold your idea to work with how the game functions, and try to keep it as close to the original idea as possible!) If desired, your name will also accompany the level name and will be open for Beta Testing.

Georbec - Modeling, Graphic Design, UI

I am an artist pursuing a career in the game, visual effects, or animation industry. My projects so far have focused on video game art and design, but I am interested in all forms of creative art, from graphic design to fashion to animation.

My name is Rajul Ramchandani and I grew up in Bangalore, India. I have a strong passion for programming and video games. Apart from programming, I absolutely love photography and film, enjoy giving speeches, recently discovered that I can draw and have also indulged myself in graphic design. I truly believe that games are the ultimate form of expression and it is amazing to see different skills and walks of life, come together, and make something that can touch so many lives. I emphasize my life on a balance between soft and hard skills, and am excited to use these new skills to be a part of a growing industry.

While pursuing my Master's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Utah, I have worked on various mobile projects that have generated thousands of downloads. I currently serve on the CFF Venture Fund where we focus on funding student startup ideas. I have a dream of bringing people closer together through technology and gaming. This idea drew me into becoming a developer for Finding Gravity.

From the beginning, my biggest interests have always been Music Composition and Video Game Development; now that I have the tools and the experience, I can’t wait to create unforgettable audio-visual experiences for the world! Finding Gravity is my 4th video game project and I’m working hard to make it my best one yet.

Looking to take ideas and share them with the world, through all aspects of interactive media.
Aside from playing/making video games in my free time I do graphic design, make short films, play music, sketch, program, and anything else where I can make something new.

Risks and challenges

Because the process of creating a video game is so complicated, bugs are simply unavoidable. Of course, we do our best to test everything beforehand and keep them away, but working towards a full release is bound to reveal some unforeseen problems. Please understand that any beta gameplay is a work-in-progress, and expect to find (and help us squash) many pesky bugs along the way.